Folding table

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a folding table. The folding table includes a table top supported by a frame and connected to a base. The base includes two pedestal assemblies and two support beams connected between the pedestal assemblies. A portion of a latch assembly is connected to the table top and another portion of the latch assembly is connected to one of the pedestal assemblies. A gas cylinder assembly is connected to the table top and to one of the support beams. Methods of operating the folding table are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/917,038 entitled “FOLDING TABLE,” filed on Dec. 17, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to folding tables, and more specifically to a folding table with a locking assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Folding tables are known in the art. Traditionally, folding tables are guided between a folded (e.g., stored) position and an unfolded (e.g., open) position by a linkage member positioned within a slot, the slot having a bend or angled portion that helps to prevent the folding table from accidentally folding. Further, traditional folding tables are secured in the stored position by a locking mechanism having a non-ergonomic lever hidden under the table top or have no locking mechanism at all. The lever is typically not comfortable to manipulate and deforms after repeated use. In addition, traditional folding tables have a base structure formed from light gauge tubing.

While such folding tables according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations. For example, the bend in the guide slot requires the table to be lifted up to clear the bend in the slot, before the table can be moved to the folded position. This may require substantial lifting force if the table is heavy. Further, as the slot is hidden under the table top in the open position, it is awkward for the user to gauge when the table has been lifted enough to clear the bend in the slot. In another example, the release lever to unlock the table from the open position is difficult to reach, requiring the user to bend over to find the lever underneath the table top. Further, the release lever is not finger friendly and is difficult to manipulate. In another example, the round tubing used for the base structure is typically lightweight metal used to minimize cost. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a folding table. The folding table includes a base having first and second pedestal assemblies connected by first and second support beams, and a table top assembly having a table top and a frame, the frame having two or more support members. The folding table also includes first and second linkage assemblies, each having first and second link members. The folding table further includes a cylinder assembly having a gas cylinder, first and second attachment members, and first and second cylinder pivot assemblies. The folding table also includes a first latch assembly including a first portion attached to a bottom surface of the table top and a second portion attached to one of the first and second pedestal assemblies, the first portion including a handle, one or more handle mounts, a first lock member, a first spring and a stop.

The present invention is also directed to a latch assembly for a folding table. The latch assembly includes a first portion attached to a surface of a table top, the first portion comprising a handle, one or more handle mounts, a first lock member, a first spring and a stop. The latch assembly also includes a second portion attached to a base, the second lock member comprising an engagement protrusion and an engagement slot.

The present invention is also directed to a method of closing a folding table. The method includes pulling a handle connected to a bottom surface of a table top by a first spring in a direction away from a first lock member connected to the bottom surface of the table top, the pulling comprising a force that overcomes a biasing force of the first spring, wherein an activation bar of the handle engages with an engagement protrusion of a second lock member connected to a base, wherein the second lock member pivots away from the first lock member until an engagement member of the first lock member is clear of an engagement slot of the second lock member. The method also includes lifting, with a first force, an edge of the table top upward in a direction away from a base, wherein the first force is enough for the table top to a position for which a tipping point of a cylinder assembly is reached, wherein the cylinder assembly begins to exert a second lifting force on the table top. The method further includes continuing to lift the edge of the table top with a lesser amount of the first force and guiding the table top into a fully closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example only, not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding table in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding table of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 1 with the locking latch in the locked position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 1 with the locking latch in the locked position.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of another portion of the folding table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the folding table of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a portion of the folding table of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame and portions of a linkage assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to the figures, specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a folding table 100 generally comprising a base 200, a table top assembly 300, linkage assemblies 400, a cylinder assembly 500 and a latch assembly 600. The base 200 is sized and shaped to support the table top assembly 300 and the base 200 is connected to the table top assembly 300 by the linkage assemblies 400. The folding table 100 may be configured to be locked in the open or unfolded position (see FIG. 1) and to be unlocked in the closed or folded position (see FIG. 2). Here the folding table 100 is shown as a rectangular table, though other configurations of folding tables are contemplated. For example, folding table 100 may be a round table, a square table, an oval table and the like.

In one or more embodiments, the base 200 includes first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 connected by first and second support beams 230, 240. The first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 each include two swivel mounted wheels 250 for easy movement of the folding table 100. Alternatively, the first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 may have movement members such as swivel mounted balls, glides and the like. The first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 and the first and second support beams 230, 240 are preferably formed of square tubing, though round tubing, triangular tubing, oval tubing and the like are also contemplated. The first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 and the first and second support beams 230, 240 are preferably powder coated steel or steel alloy metal, though stainless steel, aluminum, chrome plating and like metals and finishes are also contemplated.

The first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 are configured to connect to a portion of the linkage assemblies 400. The first pedestal assembly 210 is further configured to connect with a portion of the latch assembly 600. Alternatively, the latch assembly 600 may be configured to connect with the second pedestal assembly 220 instead of the first pedestal assembly 210, or both first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 may each connect to a latch assembly 600.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one or more embodiments the table top assembly 300 includes a table top 310 and a frame 320. The frame 320 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the linkage assemblies 400. The frame 320 is also configured to connect with and/or support a portion of the cylinder assembly 500. The frame 320 may be secured to the table top 310 by fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, bolts), adhesives and the like. The frame 320 includes support members 322 that are configured in a similar shape as the table top 310. The support members 322 may be individual components connected together. Alternatively, some or all of the support members 322 may be integrally formed as a single component that is bent in appropriate locations to provide the desired shape, for example. Support members 322 have a C-channel configuration with a first C-channel portion 324 being attached to the table top 310.

As shown in FIGS. 3 through 7, in one or more embodiments the linkage assembly 400 includes first and second link members 410, 420. The first link member 410 is pivotally connected to the first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220 by a first pivot assembly 430. The first link member 410 is also pivotally connected to the second link member 420 by a second pivot assembly 440. The first and second pivot assemblies 430, 440 may include an axle, a bolt, a screw and the like, as well as nuts, washers and the like (see FIG. 6B). Here, a first end 412 of the first link member 410 pivots in relation to the first or second pedestal assembly 210, 220 and a second end 414 of the first link member 410 pivots in relation to the second link member 420 as the table is folded or unfolded.

The second link member 420 is connected to the frame 320. A first end 422 of the second link member 420 is connected to the first link member 410 and is positioned within the C-channel of a support member 322. A second end 424 of the second link member 420 is positioned within the C-channel of another support member 322. The second link member 420 may be secured to the table top 310 in addition to being secured to the frame 320. The second link member 420 includes a guide slot 416. Here the guide slot 416 provides a straight channel without a bend and the guide slot 416 is disposed at an angled orientation within a body 418 of the second link member 420. Thus, the axial length of the guide slot 416 is not parallel to the axial length of the body 418.

A guide member 450 is connected to the first pedestal assembly 210 and is positioned within the guide slot 416. The guide member 450 may include an axle, a bolt, a screw and the like, as well as nuts, washers and the like (see FIG. 6A). Here, the guide member 450 is configured to slideably move from end to end of the guide slot 416 as the folding table 100 is opened and closed. The guide member 450 is positioned at a first end 415 of the guide slot 416 when the table is in the folded or closed position (see FIG. 3). The guide member 450 is positioned at a second end 417 of the guide slot 416 when the table is in the unfolded or open position (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, in one or more embodiments a first portion 610 of the latch assembly 600 is mounted on or attached to the bottom of the table top 310 and a second portion 630 of the latch assembly 600 is mounted on or attached to the first pedestal assembly 210. The first portion 610 includes a handle 612, handle mounts 614, a first lock member 616, a spring 618 and a stop 620. Here the handle 612 is an ergonomically shaped handle that is comfortable and easy for a user to grip. Also, the handle 612 is easy to find by feeling under the table top 310 when the handle 612 is in the retracted position, without having to bend down and visually see the handle 612 and without having the handle 612 stick out from the side of the table top 310. The handle 612 is attached to the table top 310 by the handle mounts 614. The first lock member 616 is also attached to the table top 310 and includes an engagement member 615, which may be an axle, a bolt and the like.

The spring 618 is attached at one end to an activation bar 613 of the handle 612 and at the other end to the table top 310 or the first lock member 616, for example. The spring biases the handle 612 inwards towards the center of the table top 310. The stop 620 is attached to the table top 310 and prevents the handle 612 from being pulled past a particular point away from the center of the table top 310. In other words, the handle 612 is disposed at an inward position due to the biasing force of the spring 618 until the handle 612 is pulled away from the table top 310 in an opposite direction from the biasing force of the spring 618, the handle 612 being pulled with enough force to overcome the biasing force of the spring 618. The handle 612 slides outwards through the handle mounts 614 until the activation bar 613 of the handle 612 engages the stop 620, at which point the handle 612 is prevented from sliding outwards any further.

The second portion 630 of the latch assembly 600 includes a second lock member 636 that is pivotally connected to the first pedestal assembly 210 by a third pivot assembly 640. The third pivot assembly 640 may include an axle, a bolt, a screw and the like, as well as nuts, washers and the like (see FIG. 3). The second lock member 636 includes an engagement protrusion 632 and an engagement slot 634. The engagement protrusion 632 is configured to be engaged by the activation bar 613 of the handle 612 and the engagement slot 634 is configured to receive the engagement member 615 of the first lock member 616. The second portion 630 of the latch assembly 600 further includes a spring 638 that biases the second lock member 636 inwards towards the engagement member 615 and against a lock stop 635.

In operation, the handle 612 is pulled outward from the side of the table top 310, causing the activation bar 613 to engage with the engagement protrusion 632 and pivot the second lock member 636 outwards away from the engagement member 615. Here, the force exerted by pulling the handle 612 outwards must overcome the biasing forces of both spring 618 and spring 638. The second lock member 636 pivots outwards until the handle 612 is stopped by the stop 620. At this point, the engagement member 615 is clear of the engagement slot 634 and the table top 310 may be lifted up and positioned into the folded position. Conversely, when the engagement member 615 is still within at least a portion of the engagement slot 634, the engagement member 615 contacts the top portion of the engagement slot 634 when the table top 310 is pulled upwards, thereby holding or locking the table top 310 in the unfolded position.

As shown in FIGS. 8 through 10, in one or more embodiments the cylinder assembly 500 includes a gas cylinder 510, a first attachment member 520 and a second attachment member 530. The first attachment member 520 connects the gas cylinder 510 to the table top 310 via a first cylinder pivot assembly 540. Here, the first attachment member 520 is a mounting plate 522 with two plate extensions 524 that are configured to receive the first cylinder pivot assembly 540. The second attachment member 530 connects the gas cylinder 510 to the second support beam 240 of the base 200 via a second cylinder pivot assembly 550. Here, the second support beam 240 includes two beam extensions 242 that are configured to receive the second cylinder pivot assembly 550. The first and second cylinder pivot assemblies 540, 550 may include an axle, a bolt, a screw and the like, as well as nuts, washers and the like (see FIG. 10).

In operation, the cylinder assembly 500 is biased towards opening up or extending axially, thereby forcing the first attachment member 520 away from the second attachment member 530. Thus, the cylinder assembly 500 assists the user in lifting the table top 310 from the open (e.g., horizontal) position to the closed (e.g., vertical) position. This is especially helpful when the table top 310 is large and/or heavy. The gas cylinder 510 may be configured to provide a biasing force that is based on the weight of the table top 310 and the amount of lifting force desired to be required of the user. For example, the gas cylinder 510 may be configured (e.g., sized, tuned, calibrated) to allow a user to lift the table top 310 with a single finger (e.g., minimal lifting force by the user). In the opening or unfolding process, the cylinder assembly 500 assists the user in lowering the table top 310 into the open position. For example, the biasing force of the gas cylinder 510 prevents the table top 310 from crashing down into the open position once the opening motion is started and allows the table top 310 to be lightly guided into the open position (e.g., minimal lifting force by the user).

The first and second attachment members 520. 530 may be connected to the table top 310 and the second support beam 240 in specific locations so that the cylinder assembly 500 is particularly positioned to provide desired lifting characteristics. For example, the position of the first attachment member 520 on the bottom surface of the table top 310 may be varied to change the vector angles of the gas cylinder 510 through the range of positions between opening and closing the folding table 100. These variations in vector angles may change the tipping point at which the cylinder begins to assist or increases assistance to the user's lifting or closing force. For example, a user may have to provide a specific lifting force for the first few inches of travel as the folding table 100 begins moving from an unfolded position to a folded position. Once the folding table 100 has been lifted the first few inches (e.g., the tipping point has been reached), the gas cylinder 510 may provide sufficient lifting force to move the folding table 100 the rest of the way into a folded position with only a slight or no lifting force required from the user. By changing the position of the cylinder assembly 500, the tipping point may be changed to any desired position of the folding table 100 (e.g., less than an inch, over a foot). The cylinder assembly 500 position may also be configured based on the size of the beam extensions 242, the position of the second support beam 240 in relation to the first and second pedestal assemblies 210, 220, the length of the gas cylinder 500, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates another view of the frame 320 and portions of the link assembly 400. Two second link members 420 are connected to the frame 320. The first end 422 of the second link member 420 is connected to a support member 322 on one side of the frame 320 and the second end 424 is connected to a support member 322 on the opposite side of the frame 320. A body 418 of the second link member 420 includes the angled guide slot 416.

Several alternative examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the examples could be provided in any combination with the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the word “including” as used herein is utilized in an open-ended manner.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding table comprising: a base having first and second pedestal assemblies connected by first and second support beams; a table top assembly having a table top and a frame, the frame having two or more support members; first and second linkage assemblies, each having first and second link members; a cylinder assembly having a gas cylinder, first and second attachment members, and first and second cylinder pivot assemblies; and a first latch assembly comprising a first portion attached to a bottom surface of the table top and a second portion attached to one of the first and second pedestal assemblies, wherein the first portion comprises a handle, one or more handle mounts, a first lock member, a first spring and a stop.
 2. The folding table of claim 1, wherein the first spring is connected to an activation bar on the handle and to one of the bottom surface of the table top and the first lock member, wherein the first spring is configured to bias the handle inwards towards the center of the table top.
 3. The folding table of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a second lock member pivotally connected to one of the first and second pedestal assemblies by a third pivot assembly, and a second spring, wherein the second spring is configured to bias the second lock member pivotally about the third pivot assembly towards a lock stop.
 4. The folding table of claim 3, wherein the second lock member comprises an engagement protrusion and an engagement slot, wherein the engagement protrusion is configured to be engaged by an activation bar of a handle on the first portion, and wherein the engagement slot is configured to receive an engagement member of a first lock member on the first portion.
 5. The folding table of claim 1, wherein each second link member comprises a straight guide slot disposed at an angled orientation within a body of the second link member.
 6. The folding table of claim 5, further comprising a guide member connected to one of the first and second pedestal assemblies and configured to be positioned within the guide slot, wherein the guide member is configured to slidably move within the guide slot when the table is moved towards an opened or closed position.
 7. The folding table of claim 1, wherein for each of the first link members, the first link member is pivotally connected to one of the first and second pedestal assemblies by a first pivot assembly, and pivotally connected to one of the second link members by a second pivot assembly, wherein a first end of the first link member is configured to pivot in relation to the first or second pedestal assembly and a second end of the first link member is configured to pivot in relation to one of the second link members.
 8. The folding table of claim 1, wherein for each of the second link members, a first end of the second link member is connected to one of the first link members and also to a first support member, and a second end of the second link member is connected to a second support member.
 9. The folding table of claim 8, wherein the first and second support members comprise a C-channel and the first and second ends of the second link member are positioned within the C-channels of the first and second support members respectively.
 10. The folding table of claim 1, wherein the first and second pedestal assemblies and first and second support beams are comprised of one of powder coated steel square tubing and powder coated steel alloy square tubing.
 11. The folding table of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member and the first cylinder pivot assembly connect the gas cylinder to a bottom surface of the table top, and wherein the second attachment member and the second cylinder pivot assembly connect the gas cylinder to the second support beam, wherein attachment locations of the gas cylinder to the bottom surface of the table top and to the second support beam are configured to obtain a vector angle of the gas cylinder, wherein the vector angle determines a tipping point at which the gas cylinder begins to assist an opening or closing force exerted on the table top.
 12. The folding table of claim 1, further comprising second latch assembly, wherein a first portion of the first latch assembly is attached to a bottom surface of the table top and a second portion of the first latch assembly is attached to the first pedestal assembly, and wherein a first portion of the second latch assembly is attached to a bottom surface of the table top and a second portion of the first latch assembly is attached to the second pedestal assembly.
 13. A latch assembly for a folding table comprising: a first portion attached to a surface of a table top, the first portion comprising a handle, one or more handle mounts, a first lock member, a first spring and a stop; and a second portion attached to a base, the second lock member comprising an engagement protrusion and an engagement slot.
 14. The latch assembly of claim 13, wherein the first spring is connected to an activation bar on the handle and to one of the surface of the table top and the first lock member, wherein the first spring is configured to bias the handle inwards towards the center of the table top.
 15. The latch assembly of claim 13, wherein the second portion comprises a second lock member pivotally connected to the base by a third pivot assembly.
 16. The latch assembly of claim 15, wherein the second portion comprises a second spring, wherein the second spring is configured to bias the second lock member pivotally about the third pivot assembly towards a lock stop.
 17. The latch assembly of claim 13, wherein the engagement protrusion is configured to be engaged by an activation bar of the handle on the first portion., and wherein the engagement slot is configured to receive an engagement member of a first lock member on the first portion.
 18. The latch assembly of claim 13, wherein the engagement slot is configured to receive an engagement member of the first lock member on the first portion.
 19. A method of closing a folding table, the method comprising: pulling a handle connected to a bottom surface of a table top by a first spring in a direction away from a first lock member connected to the bottom surface of the table top, the pulling comprising a force that overcomes a biasing force of the first spring, wherein an activation bar of the handle engages with an engagement protrusion of a second lock member connected to a base, wherein the second lock member pivots away from the first lock member until an engagement member of the first lock member is clear of an engagement slot of the second lock member; lifting, with a first force, an edge of the table top upward in a direction away from the base, wherein the first force is enough for the table top to a position for which a tipping point of a cylinder assembly is reached, wherein the cylinder assembly begins to exert a second lifting force on the table top; continuing to lift the edge of the table top with a lesser amount of the first force; and guiding the table top into a fully closed position. 